Now, car buyers in Agra need to own garage

Agra: All car buyers in Agra will have to furnish proof of owning a garage or a slot in a parking area in order to get their vehicles registered. The decision was take by Taj Trapezium Zone Authority (TTZA) during a meeting last evening to ensure that the air emissions remain within prescribed norms for safety of the Taj Mahal.

As per the decision, vehicles will not be allowed to be parked haphazardly on the roads or at public parks. Divisional Commissioner Pradip Bhatnagar said it was also decided that a series of tough measures need to be taken to bring down air pollution in the Taj Trapezium Zone.

According to a report, Agra is the 19th most polluted city of India, which is a matter of concern, he said, adding, each year close to 80,000 vehicles are being registered in the city.

Bhatnagar said in order to bring down the pollution level, Petha industry has already been asked to discontinue use of coal and switch over to natural gas (CNG). In Mathura, the hot mix plants has been directed to shut down.

The Taj Trapezium Zone Authority regulates and monitors all developmental activities in the 10,400 sq kms, spread over districts of Mathura, Firozabad and Agra.